It’s Tebow Time!

I know, I know: It’s a little, uh, unbecoming of someone who fancies himself a hard-bitten sports fan and media columnist to gush over the play of Tim Tebow, the unlikely young star who has amazingly led the Denver Broncos on a 7-1 run to put the Broncos in the thick of the National Football League’s playoff picture. Plus, we here in hipper-than-thou New York City are supposed to be immune to the fads and trends that sweep the heartland. I’m proud to remind you that the Wave, which America thought was a wonderful way to actively support the hometown team, never went anywhere in Gotham. MarketWatch columnist Jon Friedman tells us we he has Tebow fever. Download MP3

American shoppers are keeping the U.S. economic recovery afloat. The question is how long they can continue to do so amid high unemployment, stagnant wage growth and a depressed housing market. Consumer spending, a major driver of the U.S. economy, is especially critical now. A likely recession in Europe is hurting American exports, budget cuts are driving down government spending, and market turmoil is making companies reluctant to invest. That leaves personal consumption, which accounted for the vast majority of the U.S.’s 2% growth rate in the third quarter. WSJ’s Ben Casselman tells us how important this holiday spending season is. Download MP3

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